Early life

Walter Payton was born in Columbia, Mississippi during a time when racial tensions were at an all-time high. Despite being born to a humble blue collar family, Walter spent his free time indulging in the simple wonders of nature, and volunteering his time at his local church. During his youth, Walter conformed to his parent’s strict and positive upbringing by joining the Boy Scouts and several athletic clubs. Also, Walter was an avid participant of his school’s choir and band.

After completing grammar school, Walter enrolled into Jefferson High School, which was currently segregated at the time. It was during this time that Walter made an impact on the football scene. By using his notable size, agility, and strength, he easily earned a starting position on the school’s football team. During Walter’s junior year, his school was integrated into the all-white Columbia High School. While Walter was not particularly bothered by the growing racial tensions in his area, he grew furious at school board’s decision to hire a Caucasian coach. Walter soon realized that the school would not retract their decision, and choose to play for his new coach anyway [1]. Walter stunned the town of Columbia by leading his team to an unexpected 8-2 season.

During his college football career, Walter spearheaded Jackson State’s football team, by rushing over 3,500 yards, while averaging 6.1 yards on each run. Also, Walter scored 65 rushing touchdowns, breaking the NCAA record. Walter finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting, although many believe he would have finished in first place had he attended a college with a better reputation. Walter graduated from Jackson State in 1975, with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Beginning

On a fateful spring afternoon, the Chicago Bears selected Walter in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft. While the Bears were currently in a slump following a plethora of losing seasons, and the recent retirement of the iconic Gale Sayers, Walter failed to uplift the Bears during his first season. During his first appearance, Walter failed to make an impact on NFL, rushing zero net yards on eight attempts. Walter’s big break came during the season finale against the New Orleans Saints, where he rushed over 134 yards on twenty attempts.

The Chicagoland area had never witnessed such an star-studded performance since the days of Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo. Walter finished his first season with 679 yards and seven touchdowns, Walter’s lowest career stats during his thirteen years with the Bears organization. Eager to improve his game, Walter trained rigorously to hone his athletic abilities. After months of off-season training, Walter would re-enter the NFL as a force to be reckoned.

Although Payton has a sub-par performance, his teammates managed to put up 46 points, while holding the Patriots to negative yardage till the third quarter of the game. While Super Bowl XX stands as one of the most lop-sided Super Bowls in history, it should be noted that Payton never managed to grace the end zone. Ditka would later express his regrets for not letting Payton score a touchdown during a later interview [4].

Later Years

During the 1986 NFL season, the Bears managed to cap the season with an NFC central title and another trip to the play offs. Payton, who was now in his older years, was now sharing the role of running back with his future successor, Neal Anderson. The Bears failed to persevere through the divisional round of the playoffs, as they lost to the Washington Redskins , 27 - 13. Following the 1986 season, Payton announced that he would retire from professional football following the completion of the 1987 NFL season. After setting numerous franchise and league records, Payton retired from the NFL.

Personal life

In 1976, Walter married Connie Norword. In years to come they would have two children, Brittany and Jarrett Payton. He resided with his family in South Barrington, Illinois, a small town west of Chicago. Despite enjoying much success during his professional career, Walter always encouraged to reach beyond their full potential, and strive for excellency.

Illness and Death

In February of 1999, Payton announced that he had a rare liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis, which soon led to the growth a of a cancerous tumor on Walter’s liver. Walter spent his final months alive as an advocate for organ transplants, appearing in many commercials to encourage others to donate organs. The following April, Walter made a final public appearance at a Chicago Cubs game with Mike Ditka. While there, Walter threw the game’s Ceremonial first pitch.

In late October, Walter Payton began to succumb to his cancer. On November 1, 1999, Walter Payton passed away.

Legacy

Walter’s memories are carried on through his charity foundation, the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation . The Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, Illinois witnessed a dramatic skyrocket in Organ donations [5]. Furthermore, Walter organized a program which donates a plethora of toys to underprivileged children across the Chicagoland area each Christmas.

Playing Style

Walter is often most well remembered for his signature high stepping, stiff-legged running gait, which would often confuse his pursuers. Also, Walter gained much popularity for his fearless tactics of running towards defenders, as opposed to running out of bounds. In a memorable game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Walter used this tactic to hammer his way up-field, knocking out two defenders in the process.

Payton's unique and distinctive "stiff-legged" high-stepping running style was also a product of his desire to avoid injury. Template:Fact He ran by planting only the balls and toes of his feet on the turf, and keeping his heels elevated. In the event of a tackle, this would allow his legs to move as if he was hit from the side, protecting the connective tissues in his knees from injury. This stance necessitated extremely strong leg biceps and glutes, as he had to swing his legs from his hips in order to run.

Walter also established himself as a conqueror of gravity, often making prodigious hurdles over lines of players to enter the end zone. Accompanied by defensive tackleWilliam “Da Fridge” Perry, Walter and his awkward blocker often pounded their way into the end zone. In the clutch, Walter also served as quarterback, accepting footballs from hand offs and throwing them with impressive accuracy. During a match-up against the Minnesota Vikings, Walter managed to throw a 60 yard completion to a receiver. In another game, he managed to throw an ironic touchdown pass to quarterback, Jim McMahon.

Despite his athletic prowess, Walter often shunned excessive exposure to the limelight. After scoring a touchdown, Walter would never showboat or celebrate. Instead, he would often give the ball to his team mates to spike into the ground. However, Walter developed a humorous reputation among his teammates for his comedic antics. On various occasions, he would rush into the locker room to lock his fellow teammates out. Also, Payton would occasionally untie the shoe laces of referees whilst lying prone before them.